A rupture in the world order has become unavoidable. The traditional rules-based international system, which once provided a framework for cooperation among nations, is no longer tenable. Instead, we are witnessing the rise of great-power rivalry, where the strongest countries pursue their interests without constraint.
However, this does not mean that smaller and middle powers like Canada have no role to play in shaping the future. On the contrary, it is precisely these countries that can build a new order based on values such as respect for human rights, sustainable development, solidarity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The key to achieving this lies in honesty. We must stop pretending that the old system still functions as advertised and instead name reality. This means acting consistently and applying the same standards to allies and rivals. It also requires building institutions and agreements that function as described and reducing the leverage that enables coercion.
Canada has what the world wants: an energy superpower, vast reserves of critical minerals, a highly educated population, and immense fiscal capacity. We have the values to which many others aspire, but we have also been complacent in our assumptions about our role in the world.
No longer can we rely on the old order; it's time to build something new. This requires not only adaptation but also honesty about the world as it is. Canada must take the lead in this process, recognizing that the rupture calls for more than adaptation β it calls for a fundamental shift in our approach to international relations.
We are not naive multilateralists; we're building coalitions that work on an issue-by-issue basis with partners who share common ground. This approach allows us to maximize our influence while avoiding the pitfalls of great-power rivalry. It's time for countries like Canada to stop competing with each other for favor and instead combine to create a third path with impact.
In short, we have the capacity to stop pretending; we must name reality, build our strength at home, and act together. This is Canada's path, and it's one that's wide open to any country willing to take it with us.
However, this does not mean that smaller and middle powers like Canada have no role to play in shaping the future. On the contrary, it is precisely these countries that can build a new order based on values such as respect for human rights, sustainable development, solidarity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The key to achieving this lies in honesty. We must stop pretending that the old system still functions as advertised and instead name reality. This means acting consistently and applying the same standards to allies and rivals. It also requires building institutions and agreements that function as described and reducing the leverage that enables coercion.
Canada has what the world wants: an energy superpower, vast reserves of critical minerals, a highly educated population, and immense fiscal capacity. We have the values to which many others aspire, but we have also been complacent in our assumptions about our role in the world.
No longer can we rely on the old order; it's time to build something new. This requires not only adaptation but also honesty about the world as it is. Canada must take the lead in this process, recognizing that the rupture calls for more than adaptation β it calls for a fundamental shift in our approach to international relations.
We are not naive multilateralists; we're building coalitions that work on an issue-by-issue basis with partners who share common ground. This approach allows us to maximize our influence while avoiding the pitfalls of great-power rivalry. It's time for countries like Canada to stop competing with each other for favor and instead combine to create a third path with impact.
In short, we have the capacity to stop pretending; we must name reality, build our strength at home, and act together. This is Canada's path, and it's one that's wide open to any country willing to take it with us.